Double cam levers and safety lock for cam lock fitting

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for an improved safety cam lock fitting having side by side double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger cam lobe on the outer cam lever and a smaller cam lobe on the inner cam lever so that when the smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into a peripheral groove on the male portion the male and female ends have a small space therein between. A lever latching mechanism may be used to prevent the cam levers from being inadvertently opened.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/379,029 filed Dec. 14, 2016.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to cam lock fittings and, moreparticularly, is concerned with a cam lock fitting having a pair ofdouble cam levers providing a safety lock and a lever latching mechanismthereon.

Description of the Related Art

Cam lock fittings having double cam levers have been described in therelated art, and, cam lock fittings having safety features have beendescribed in the related art. However, none of the related art devicesdisclose the unique features of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No.4,802,694 to Vargo, dated Feb. 7, 1989, disclosed a quick-disconnectcoupling. U.S. Pat. No. 8,955,885 to Dixon, dated Feb. 17, 2015,disclosed a hose coupling locking mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,271 toDixon, dated May 8, 2012, disclosed a hose coupling locking mechanism.U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,812 to Chang, dated Apr. 8, 2003, disclosed aself-locking quick release coupler adapted to a groove adapter. U.S.Pat. No. 5,904,380 to Lee, dated May 18, 1999, disclosed a pipe joint.U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,694 to Fahl, et al., dated Aug. 11, 1998, discloseda lock for coupling cam arms. U.S. Pat. No. 3,439,942 to Moore, et al.,dated Apr. 22, 1969, disclosed a retaining member for coupling. U.S.Pat. No. 6,095,190 to Wilcox, et al., dated Aug. 1, 2000, disclosed acoupling with a female half having internal pressure relief. U.S. Pat.No. 5,863,079 to Donais, et al., dated Jan. 26, 1999, disclosed aquick-connect, disconnect coupling. U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,217 to Gillen,et al., dated Jan. 21, 1997, disclosed a dry break coupling assemblywith a cam locking connection system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,017 to et al.,dated Aug. 10, 1993, disclosed a restrictor valve for metered liquiddispensing system. U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,632 to Vogl dated Sep. 3, 1985,disclosed a shut-off valve for a fuel truck or tanker drain off havingdown spouts. U.S. Pat. No. 4,269,215 to Odar dated May 26, 1981,disclosed a vapor flow control valve. U.S. Pat. No. 3,1860,274 toLedstrom, et al., dated Jan. 14, 1975 disclosed a pipe coupling. U.S.Pat. No, 4,222,593 to Lauffenburger disclosed a fluid conveying couplingwith safety locking device. U.S. Pat. No. 8,123,256 to Hartman datedFeb. 28, 2012 disclosed a safety lock for a cam lock fitting. U.S. Pat.No. 7,147,004 to Hartman dated Dec. 12, 2006 disclosed a check valve fora cam lock fitting. U.S. Pat. No. 3,383,123 to Murray dated May 14, 1968disclosed a line pressure responsive safety coupling. U.S. Pat. No.5,338,069 dated Aug. 16, 1994 to McCarthy disclosed a positively lockingquick release coupling. U.S. Pat. No. 8,632,103 dated Jan. 21, 2014 toFahie, et al. disclosed a lock for cam and groove coupler. U.S. Pat. No.3,124,374 dated Mar. 10, 1964 to Krapp disclosed a self ventingseparable coupling with lock. U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,717 dated Mar. 22,1994 to Chen disclosed a tube connecting device that disclosed a leverlatching mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,604 dated Jul. 25, 2995 to Chendisclosed a tube connecting device that disclosed a lever latchingmechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,265 dated Dec. 27, 2011 to Chen discloseda tube connecting device that disclosed a lever latching mechanism.

While these devices related to cam lock fittings may be suitable for thepurposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable forthe purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. As willbe shown by way of explanation and drawings, the present invention worksin a novel manner and differently from the related art.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses an improved cam lock fitting havingcooperating double cam levers which may be disposed in a side-by-siderelationship and having outer and inner portions so that when the outercam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the maleand female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate fromeach other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fittingif the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still containspressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger camlobe on the outer cam lever and a fork shaped smaller cam lobe on theinner cam lever so that after the outer cam lever has been opened andthe smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into theperipheral groove on the male portion, the male and female ends have asmall space therein between which allows the operator to visuallyobserve any pressurized material so that the operator can quicklyreclose the fitting. Also disclosed is an embodiment which provides anautomatic lever latching mechanism that must be unlatched before the camlevers can be opened thereby preventing the cam levers from beinginadvertently opened.

A major problem sought to be solved by the present invention occurs atthe time an operator of a conventional prior art cam lock fittingundertakes the operation of opening the fitting; at that time, theoperator may not know whether the contents of the conventional fittingare still under pressure, and if the contents are still under pressurethe contents will spew out when the conventional fitting is openedpossibly resulting in injury to the operator or an unwanted release ofmaterials to the environment. The present invention solves this problemby allowing the improved cam lock fitting to be only partially opened bymeans of a safety lock feature which allows the improved fitting to bereclosed if the operator observes that the contents inside the improvedfitting remain pressurized.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cam lock fittinghaving a pair of cooperating double cam lock levers thereon. A furtherobject of the present invention is to provide a safety lock which can beeasily operated by a user as a part of the normal operation of a camlock fitting. A further object of the present invention is to provide asafety lock which will remain locked when the cam lock fitting ispressurized. A further object of the present invention is to provide asafety lock on a cam lock fitting which will prevent inadvertentpressurized discharges of environmentally damaging material from the camlock fitting. A further object of the present invention is to provide asafety lock on a cam lock fitting which is simply constructed and whichcan be relatively inexpensively manufactured. A further object of thepresent invention is to provide a cam lock fitting having a pair ofcooperating double cam lock levers having a lever latching mechanismthereon.

A major advantage of the preset invention is that the cam members aredisposed substantially 180 degrees apart and therefore all forcesrelated to associated stress or torque resulting from using the cammembers are evenly distributed around a cam lock fitting designedaccording to the teachings of the present invention. Conventional camlock fittings using side-by-side cam members would not be expected toexhibit this characteristic.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from thedescription to follow. In the description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detailto enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatstructural changes may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference charactersdesignate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best definedby the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now bedescribed, by way of example, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art cam lock fitting.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the double cam lever of a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the double cam lever of a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8-10 are sectional views of a first embodiment of the presentinvention with certain parts shown in perspective for ease ofillustration.

FIGS. 11-13 are sectional views of a second embodiment of the presentinvention with certain parts shown in perspective for ease ofillustration.

FIG. 14 is an end elevation view taken from the front of portions of afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an end elevation view taken from the front of portions of asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view on the inner cam lever of a first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a lever latching embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a lever latching embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative lever latchingembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 23-24 are side elevation views of a lever latching embodiment ofthe present invention with certain parts shown cut-away for ease ofillustration.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the double cam lever of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an end elevation view of the double cam levers taken from thefront of portions of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an end elevation view of the double cam levers taken from thefront of portions of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a top view of the double cam lever of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the double cam lever of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of analternative embodiment of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is usedthroughout the drawings.

-   -   10 prior art cam lock fitting    -   12 female end portion    -   14 male end portion    -   16 front end    -   18 hose    -   20 band clamp    -   22 rear end    -   24 cam lever/ear    -   26 lever portion    -   28 cam portion    -   30 groove    -   32 opening    -   34 wall of cam lock fitting    -   36 axle    -   38 flange    -   40 gasket    -   42 boss    -   44 boss    -   46 centerline    -   48 double lever cam lock    -   50 double lever cam lock    -   54 cam lock fitting    -   56 female end portion/conduit    -   58 male end portion/conduit    -   60 front end    -   62 outer cam lever/ear    -   64 inner cam lever/ear    -   66 lever portion    -   68 cam lobe portion    -   70 lever portion    -   72 cam lobe portion    -   74 axle    -   76 aperture of cam lobe    -   78 boss    -   80 boss    -   82 aperture of boss    -   84 rear end    -   86 groove    -   88 opening    -   90 axle    -   92 aperture    -   94 aperture    -   98 circular gasket/seal    -   100 inside    -   102 wall    -   104 flange    -   106 space    -   108 arrow    -   110 cutout/space    -   112 rear portion    -   113 lever latching mechanism    -   114 pull ring member    -   116 end of pin    -   118 pin    -   aperture of pin    -   122 housing for pin    -   124 tip end of pin    -   126 inclined surface of pin    -   128 retaining protrusion    -   130 retaining protrusion    -   132 spring biasing member    -   134 finger of user    -   136 space    -   138 alternative embodiment double lever cam lock    -   140 alternative embodiment double lever cam lock    -   142 larger cam member with larger arm    -   144 smaller cam member with smaller arm    -   146 cylindrical spacer    -   147 latch mechanism    -   148 latch lever/arm    -   150 pivot    -   152 spring biasing means    -   154 thumb grip    -   156 first catch for outer ear    -   158 second catch for inner ear    -   160 cam member    -   162 cam member    -   164 boss    -   166 mount

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes in detail at least one embodiment ofthe invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, aslimiting the invention to those particular embodiments sincepractitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous otherembodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of theinvention, the reader is directed to the appended claims. FIGS. 1-30illustrate the present invention wherein a cam lock fitting having apair of double cam levers which cooperate to provide a safety lockingmechanism is disclosed.

Turning to FIG. 1, therein is shown a prior art version of aconventional cam lock fitting generally indicated by reference number 10having a female end coupling portion or conduit 12 and a male endcoupling portion or conduit 14 each having a front end 16 which whenjoined together form a conduit through which fluid or the like willflow. A hose 18 having a band clamp 20 thereon is attached to a rear end22 of each female 12 and male 14 portions; hose 18 ranges in size fromabout one inch to about 8 inches and are generally heavy foraccommodating relatively high pressure. The female portion 12 has a pairof cam levers or ears 24 each having a lever portion 26 and a camportion 28 thereon, which cam portion locks the female end 12 to themale end 14 by seating the cam portion 28 of the female portion within aperipheral groove 30 on an exterior of the male portion so that the twoportions 12, 14 with hoses 18 are joined together to form a conduit sothat materials can pass therethrough. The cam portion 28 projectsthrough an opening 32 in the wall 34 near the font end 16 of the femaleportion 12 as the ears 24 pivot on axles 36. Direction arrows are usedto show movement of ears 24 between a closed position lyingsubstantially parallel to and adjacent the female portion 12 and an openposition outwardly moved away from the female portion 12 so as todisengage the cam portion from groove 30. Also shown on the inside ofthe female portion 12 is annular flange 38 having a flexible circulargasket or O-ring seal 40 therein wherein the flange and gasket extendentirely around the internal periphery of the female portion for makingsealing contact with the end 16 of the male end portion 14 in aconventional manner. The ears 24 are each mounted onto an axle 36extending through first, left and second, right bosses 42, 44 disposedon opposite sides of the female coupling 12. Centerline 46 of cam lockfitting 10 is also shown. A major disadvantage of the prior art cam lockfitting 10 is that it is designed to be either completely closed orcompletely open and therefore offers no safety locking mechanism.

Turning to FIGS. 2-3, therein are shown two embodiments 48, 50 of animproved cam lock fitting 54 of the present invention wherein FIG. 2shows embodiment 48 and FIG. 3 shows embodiment 50. FIGS. 2-3 show a camlock fitting 54 similar in some respects to the prior art cam lockfitting 10, shown in FIG. 1, but with important differences due to theembodiments 48, 50 mounted thereon. Therein is shown a cam lock fitting54 having a female end coupling portion or conduit 56 and a male endcoupling portion or conduit 58 each having a front end 60 which whenjoined together form a conduit through which fluid or the like willflow. The present invention operates similarly to the prior art am lockfitting 10 shown in FIG. 1 except that there are a total of four camlevers (i.e., two pairs of double cam levers/ears) instead of two camlevers wherein the double cam levers cooperate with each other toprovide a safety lock. Each of the cam lock fittings 54 shown in FIGS.2-3 are similar to each other, however, different embodiments 48, 50 ofcam lock levers are mounted thereon.

Turning to FIG. 2, therein is shown the preferred embodiment 48 having apair of double cam levers or members 62, 64 mounted on opposite sides ofthe female end portion 56 wherein each pair has an outer cam lever 62and an inner cam lever 64. Outer cam lever 62 has a lever portion 66 andan eccentric cam lobe portion 68, and, inner cam lever 64 also has alever portion 70 and first and second eccentric cam lobe portion 72wherein the first and second cam lobe portions form the two prongs of afork shaped portion being spaced apart a distance thereby creating acutout or space 110 sufficient to allow the cam lobe portion 68 to fittherein between the two prongs which causes the inner and outer camlevers 62, 64 to be disposed symmetrically about the female end portion56 which assures smooth operation throughout the life span of a cam lockfitting 54 made according to the teachings of the present invention. Thecam lobe portion 72 resembles a fork shape when viewed from the top (seeFIG. 19) wherein the two similar first and second prongs/branches of thefork have cam lobe 68 disposed therein between in space 110; of course,the positions of the lobes 68, 72 could be reversed relative to eachother wherein the larger lobe portion 68 could be manufactured as theforked portion 72 so that the smaller lobe portion would be disposed onthe inside of the larger forked portion as shown in FIG. 18. The leverportion 66 of the outer cam ear 62 is larger, i.e., wider, than thelever portion 70 of the inner cam ear 64 so that it will be easier tograsp in the hands of an operator; also, the inner cam ear is notintended to be opened until after the outer cam ear is opened and havinga wider outer ear helps accomplish this objective. A lever latchingmechanism 113 for use with lever 62, 64 is described in FIGS. 20-24.

A single axle 74 passes through a substantially centrally disposedaperture 76 of cam lobe portion 68, 72 and the ends of the axle arecarried on first and second bosses 78, 80 by passing through an aperture82 of each boss. The male and female end portion 56, 58 each have a rearend portion 84 and the male end portion has an external peripheralgroove 86 thereon. The female end portion 56 has openings 88 in theopposing walls thereof through which cam lobes 68, 72 pass. Cam lobeportion 68 of outer cam ear 62 is configured differently and may belarger than cam lobe portion 72 of inner cam ear 64, as best shown onFIGS. 8-10 and FIG. 16, so that when the outer and inner ears 62, 64 areclosed the cam lobe portion 68 fits in or engages groove 86 so as tocompletely sealingly close or connect the male end portion 58 to thefemale end portion 56 because cam lobe 68 is substantially the same sizeand shape of the groove 86. This is due to cam lobe 68 being effectivelyconfigured, in size or shape, so as to engage groove 86 in such a way tocause the end 60 of male conduit 58 to move axially into a sealingposition relative to the sealing gasket inside female conduit 56. Incontrast, when the outer cam ear 62 with cam lobe 68 is opened and thesmaller cam lobe 72 is unopened, the male end portion 58 becomesslightly loosened or separated from the female end portion 56 to allow aspace to form between the front end 60 of the male end portion 58 andthe female end portion 56 as best shown and explained relative to FIGS.8-13, because smaller cam lobe 72 being smaller, i.e., being configureddifferently, than groove 86 doesn't completely fill groove 86 beingloose fit thereby causing a slight space to form between front end 60and the female end portion 56 as previously disclosed.

In summary of FIGS. 2-3, the female portion 56 has a pair of double camlevers or ears 48, each having an outer and inner lever portion 66, 70and a cam portion 68, 72 thereon, which cam portion locks the female end56 to the male end 58 by seating the cam portions 68, 72 of the femaleportion within a groove 86 on the male portion so that the two portionsare joined together. The cam portions 62, 64 project through an opening88 in the wall near the end 60 of the female portion 56 as the ears 62,64 pivot on axle 74. Also included in the female portion 56 is a gasketor O-ring seal 98 therein wherein the gasket extends entirely around theinternal periphery of the female portion for making sealing contact withthe end 60 of the male end portion 58 in a conventional manner as shownin FIGS. 8-13. The ears 62, 64 are each mounted onto an axle 74extending through a first and second boss 78, 80 mounted on oppositesides of female coupling 56. The inner and outer ears 62, 64 each movebetween a first downward closed position lying substantially parallel toand adjacent the female portion 56 to a second upward open positionoutwardly moved away from the female portion so as to disengage the camportion 68, 72 from groove 86.

In order for an operator to open a cam lock fitting 54 designedaccording to the teachings of the present invention, the operator mustfirst move the outer cam lever 62 from the first downward closedposition to the second upward open position so that larger cam lobe 68is moved away from groove 86 so as to partially open the cam lockfitting 54 so as to partially relieve internal pressure contained insidethe cam lock fitting. If there is no pressure remaining in the cam lockfitting 54 the operator can continue with the next step of opening thesecond inner cam lever 64 to thereby separate the male and femaleconduit portions 58, 56 just as previously explained relative toembodiment 48 of FIG. 2. However, if there is still pressure inside thecam lock fitting 54 when the first outer cam lever 62 is opened, theoperator will immediately recluse that first outer cam lever 62 so as topull the male end portion 58 back into the locked position inside femaleend portion 56 so as to reclose and reseal the cam lock fitting.Pressure remaining inside cam lock fitting 54 could be indicated by thesound of escaping gas, a hissing sound, seepage, leaking or gurglingliquid or the like.

Turning to FIG. 3, therein is shown a view similar to FIG. 2 except thatanother embodiment 50 of the double cam lever is shown having doableaxles 74, 90. The female and male end portions 56, 58 are essentiallythe same as shown in FIG. 2 with the main difference being that innercam ear 64 is mounted onto bosses 78, 80 using axle 90 in aperture 92which axle 90 is offset from the center of lobe 72 toward the front end60 of the female end portion 56 so as to be disposed toward the frontends of bosses 78, 80 in aperture 94 as best shown on FIGS. 6-7. Axle 90and apertures 92,94 are co-aligned as shown in FIG. 6. In thisconfiguration, while outer cam ear 62 pivots on substantially centrallydisposed axle 74 on cam lobe 72, it is carried with and moves outwardlywith inner cam ear 64 by having cam lobe portion 72 pivot on offset axle90 which is better illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and 11-13. The operation ofembodiment 50 is similar to embodiment 48 and the steps of operationhave been previously disclosed relative to embodiment 48 of FIG. 2.

Turning to FIGS. 4 and 6, the two embodiments 48, 50 of an improved camlock fitting of the present invention are exploded away from a femaleend portion 56; wherein FIG. 4 shows embodiment 48 and FIG. 6 showsembodiment 50. Shown therein is the inside 100 of the female coupling 56along with the double cam levers 48, 50 on opposite sides of the femaleend portion 56 showing the bosses 78, 80 on the female coupling 56. Notethat the openings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of thecam lobes of the present invention. The bosses 78, 80 are attached ontothe outside of the female coupling 56 in the conventional manner.Previously disclosed elements are also shown as were discussed relativeto the respective embodiments 48, 50 of FIGS. 2-3.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 7, an enlarged view of the cam portions of thetwo embodiments 48, 50 are shown illustrating the features of the twoembodiments as previously disclosed relative to the respectiveembodiments 48, 50 of FIGS. 2-3. FIG. 5 shows single axle embodiment 48and FIG. 7 shows a double axle embodiment 50. Previously disclosedelements are also shown as were discussed relative to the respectiveembodiments 48, 50 of FIGS. 2-3.

Turning to FIGS. 8-13, therein is shown the steps of operation of thetwo embodiments 48, 50 of an improved cam lock fitting 54 designedaccording to the teachings of the present invention wherein FIGS. 8-10shows embodiment 48 and FIGS. 11-13 shows embodiment 50. For eachembodiment 48, 50 therein is shown the movement of the male end portion58 relative to the female portion 56 as the cam lock fitting 54 of thepresent invention is being opened; the steps would be reversed forclosure of the cam lock fitting. FIGS. 8 and 11 show the male endportion 58 connected to and mated tightly to the female portion 56 aswould be the condition when the cam lock fitting 54 is in a sealedposition with double cam lever 62, 64 in a downward closed position sothat the end 60 of the male end portion 58 is tightly sealingly engagedagainst the front side of circular gasket 98 of the female end portion56 with the lobes 68, 72 in groove 86; also, the rear side of gasket 98is tightly sealed against the front surface of the inner flange 104 ofthe female end portion 56.

In contrast, FIGS. 9 and 12 shows the larger cam lobe of outer cam lever62 in the open position and shows the smaller cam lobe 72 of inner camlever 64 remaining in the groove 86 and also shows the male end portion58 with a small space 106 being defined in between its end 60 and thegasket 98 which would occur when the outer cam lever 62 is in an upwardopen position which would cause the ends 60 of female end portion 56 andmale end portion 58 to slightly separate thereby allowing the release ofpressure or a small amount of material as indicated by arrows 108 fromthe inside of the female portion 56 of the cam lock fitting 54. Arrows108 illustrate material/fluid moving into space 106 and then out thefitting 54 by escaping between the male and female couplings 58, 56.FIGS. 10 and 13 illustrate that the male end 58 can only be completelyreleased from the female end 56 when the outer and inner cam levers 62,64 are moved to the open position and when this occurs, each of thelobes 68, 72 become disengaged from groove 86 to allow the male 58 andfemale 56 end to be completely separated from each other. Previouslydisclosed elements may also be shown.

Turning to FIGS. 14-15, the two embodiments 48, 50 of an improved camlock fitting of the present invention are shown mounted on a female endportion 56 also showing portions of the male end portion 58 along withgroove 86 in phantom line; wherein FIG. 14 shows embodiment 48 and FIG.15 shows embodiment 50. Shown therein is the inside 100 of the femalecoupling 56 along with the double cam levers 48, 50 on one side only ofthe female end portion 56 showing the bosses 78, 80 on the femalecoupling 56. Note that the openings 88 are sized and shaped toaccommodate movement of the cam lobes of the double levers of thepresent invention; also, it should be clear that the lobes and leverscould have many shapes and thicknesses other than those which areillustrated so long as they are effectively sized and shaped toaccomplish the teachings of the present invention all of which would beunderstood by one skilled in the art. The bosses 78, 80 are attachedonto the outside of the female coupling 56 in the conventional manner.In FIG. 15, the axles 74, 90 lie in the same horizontal plane andtherefore only the front axle 90 in aperture 92 is visible in thisdrawing. Previously disclosed elements may also be shown as werediscussed relative to the respective embodiments 48, 50 of FIGS. 2-3.

Turning to FIGS. 16-17, an enlarged view of the double cam levers/earsof the two embodiments 48, 50 are shown illustrating the features of thetwo embodiments as previously disclosed relative to the respectiveembodiments 48, 50 of FIGS. 2-3. FIG. 16 shows embodiment 48 and FIG. 17shows embodiment 50. In FIGS. 16,17, cam lobe 68 of outer cam ear 62 islarger, i.e., having a larger radius on its rear peripheral portion 112which is visible when closed, than cam lobe 72 of inner cam ear 64 asshown at 112. Regarding FIGS. 16-17, because cam portion 68 has a largerradius on its rear portion 112 than cam portion 72, as measured at itshorizontal plane through its central axle, it therefore effectively andsubstantially fills or engages the complimentarily sized groove 86causing a complete seal between the gasket 98 and the male end portion58 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11; however, after the outer cam lever/ear 68has been opened and when the smaller cam lobe portion 72 protrudes intogroove 86 it doesn't completely fill the groove so the space 106 isformed as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 between the end 60 of the male end 58and the gasket 98 of the female end portion 56. FIGS. 10 and 13 show thefemale 56 and male 58 ends completely separated with cam lever/ears 62,64 in the open position.

Turning to FIG. 18, therein is shown an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention showing the inner cam lever 64 being larger on itsrear peripheral portion 112 than the outer cam lever 62. Previouslydisclosed elements are also shown. FIG. 25 shows a top view of thealternative embodiment of FIG. 18 showing the inner cam lever 64 beinglarger than the outer cam lever 62.

Turning to FIG. 19, therein is shown a top view of the inner cam lever64 of the first embodiment of the present invention showing previouslydisclosed elements. Space/cutout 110 between the prongs of the forkedends of the cam lobe portions 72 is also shown. It can be seen that thecam lobe portions 72 form the prongs of the forked portion.

With reference to FIGS. 1-19, the cam members 62, 64 pivot substantiallyparallel to the centerline of the cam lock fitting/coupling 54 with theaxles 74, 90 being substantially perpendicular to the centerline, and,the cam members are disposed on the bosses 78, 80 so that the cam lobes68, 72 and the axles will be properly operationally aligned with thegroove 86 as required by each embodiment 48, 50 all of which would beunderstood by one skilled in the art. The axles 74, 90 may be hollowpins, roll pins or the like. Cam members 62, 64 are disposedsubstantially 180 degrees apart on opposite sides of the female conduit56 and therefore all mechanical forces related to associated stresses ortorque resulting from operation of the cam members are evenlydistributed around the cam lock fining 54. This will prevent warping ofthe elements of the present invention 10 over time.

Turning to FIGS. 20-24, therein is shown an embodiment of the presentinvention 10 which provides an automatic lever latching mechanismdisposed on levers 62, 64, generally indicated by reference numeral 113,so that when the levers 62, 64 are moved from an open position into aclosed position they become automatically latched in the closed positionso that before an operator opens the levers he will have to use a pullring 114 or the like in order to open the first and second levers 62,64, or as shown in FIG. 22, he would use the pull ring 114 to open onlyone lever which would have the lever latching mechanism 113 thereon. Ineither embodiment, the operator would have to operate a lever latchingmechanism 113 before he could open the levers 62, 64 thereby preventingthe cam levers from being inadvertently opened. Inner lever 64 isshorter than outer lever 62 for convenience and ease of operation by theoperator/user. Previously disclosed elements are also shown as werediscussed relative to the respective embodiments 48, 50 of FIGS. 2-3.

Continuing with FIGS. 20-24, therein is shown the present invention 10having a pair of double cam levers 62, 64 mounted on opposite sides ofthe female end portion 56 wherein each pair has an outer cam lever 62and an inner cam lever 64. Outer cam lever 62 has a lever portion 66 andan eccentric cam lobe portion 68, and, inner cam lever 64 also has alever portion 70 and first and second eccentric cam lobe portions 72wherein the first and second cam lobe portions are fork shaped andspaced apart a distance thereby creating a cutout 110 or spacesufficient to allow the cam lobe portion 68 to fit therein between whichcauses the inner and outer cam levers 62, 64 to be disposedsymmetrically about the female end portion 56 which assures smoothoperation throughout the life span of a cam lock fitting 54 madeaccording to the teachings of the present invention 10. FIGS. 20, 21, 23and 24 discloses embodiment 48 which uses a single axle 74 whereas FIG.22 discloses embodiment 50 which uses double axles 74 and 90.

Turning to FIG. 20, therein is shown the present invention 10 explodedaway from the female end portion 56 and incorporates embodiment 48.Shown therein is the inside 100 of the female coupling 56 along with thedouble cam levers 48 on opposite sides of the female end portion 56showing the bosses 78, 80 on the female coupling 56. Note that theopenings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of the camlobes of the present invention. The bosses 78, 80 are attached onto theoutside of the female coupling 56 in the conventional manner. Male endportion 58 is also partially shown in phantom line. Previously disclosedelements are also shown as were discussed relative to the respectiveembodiments 48, 50 of FIGS. 2-3.

Also shown in FIG. 20, is a pull ring 114 attached to an end 116 of apin 118 wherein the pull ring passes through a slot or aperture 120 onan end of the pin which pin is slidably disposed in a housing 122attached onto a side of lever 62, 64 so that each lever 62, 64 has ahousing 172 and a pin 118 mounted thereon. Pull ring 114 may be amulti-turn wire ring being useful for manipulating levers 62, 64. Notethat the pin 118 is mounted inside the housing 122 so as to be slidablydisposed in the housing so that the pin slides along the longitudinalaxis of the levers 62, 64. The pin 118 also has a second end or tip 124having an inclined surface 126 thereon. The pin 118 extends along and isslidable along an axis of a respective lever 62, 64 so that when thelevers 62, 64 are in a closed position the tip 124 of pin 118 latchesunderneath the rear portion of upper and lower corresponding retainingprotrusions 128, 130 disposed on a rear portion of boss 78 as best seenin FIG. 23.

Continuing with FIGS. 20-24, when the respective pull rings 114 oflevers 62, 64 are pulled rearwardly toward end 84 of female conduit 56in the direction along the axis of the pin 118, the pin 118 is moved ina bore within the housing 122 against the biasing member, being spring132, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. In operation,when the levers 62, 64 are pivoted from the open position to the lockingposition the inclined surface 126 of the tip of the pin 124 of each pin118 eventually abuts against the rear upper surface of retainingprotrusion 128, 130 of the respective retaining protrusions so that thetip 124 of the pin moves downwardly across the surface of the respectiveretaining protrusions 128, 130 due to further pivoting movement of thecorresponding lever 62, 64 so that the tip 124 of pin 118 becomeseventually positioned underneath the respective retaining protrusions128, 130 as the pin tip 124 is forced to be extended from the housing122 due to the action of the internal spring 132 shown on each lever 62,64 as best seen in FIG. 23. In operation, when the operator desires todisengage or to open the levers 62, 64 and move them from a closedposition to an open position the pull rings 114 are pulled toward therear to retract the respective tips 124 of pins 118 in levers 62, 64back into the housing 122 against the biasing action of the springs 132so that the tips of pin 124 become disengaged from underneath the rearof the respective retraining protrusions 128, 130 so that the levers 62,64 can then be pivoted upwardly to an unlocked position so that thecouplings 56, 58 of the present invention 10 can be disengaged as bestseen in FIG. 24. In this manner, the male coupling 58 and femalecoupling 56 can become separated or disconnected, all of which would beunderstood by one skilled in the art.

Turning to FIG. 21, therein is shown the embodiment 48 which has beenpreviously disclosed in relation to FIG. 5 of the present invention 10shown in combination with the previously disclosed lever latchingmechanism 113.

Turning to FIG. 22, therein is shown the embodiment 50 which has beenpreviously disclosed in relation to FIG. 7 of the present invention 10shown in combination with the previously disclosed lever latchingmechanism 113.

Turning to FIGS. 22-24, therein are shown partially cut-away side viewsof the present invention 10 showing pull rings 114 disposed onrespective levers 62, 64 being attached through an aperture 120 in theend of respective pins 118 also showing the housing 122 along with thebiasing spring 132, or the like, wherein the tips 124 of the pin areshown along with the inclined surface 126 and respective retainingprotrusions 128, 130 disposed on boss 78. FIG. 23 shows the levers 62,64 in a closed position similar to FIG. 8, and, FIG. 24 shows the levers62, 64 in an open position similar to FIG. 10 wherein the pull rings 114of the levers 62, 64 have been operated and moved by a finger 134 of anoperator/user so that the tips of the pin 124 are no longer capturedunderneath the corresponding retaining protrusions 128, 130 of thebosses 78. Inner lever 64 is shorter than outer lever 62 for convenienceand ease of operation by the operator/user. Levers 62, 64 are configuredso that the tip 124 of lever 64 mates with the retaining protrusion 130and the tip 124 of lever 62 mates with retaining protrusion 128.Direction arrows are shown in certain figures to indicate movement ofthe elements.

Turning to FIG. 25, therein is shown a top view of the alternativeembodiment showing the inner cam lever 64 being larger than the outercam lever 62 as was previously disclosed with respect to FIG. 18. It canbe seen that inner arm 64 is configured, sized and shaped so that it canbe moved from the closed position to the open position without touchingor interference from the outer arm 62. This is accomplished by providinga space 136 between inner arm 64 and outer arm 62 which allows inner arm64 to substantially surround outer arm 62 so that the inner arm can beoperated without moving the outer arm. It can be seen that thelongitudinal central axis of the outer and inner cam levers 62, 64 areco-aligned so that the axis of the outer lever is directly above theaxis of the inner lever.

Turning to FIGS. 26, 28 and 30, therein is shown an alternativeembodiment 138 of an improved cam lock fitting of the present inventionshown mounted on a female end portion 56. Shown therein is the inside100 of the female coupling 56 along with the double cam levers 142, 144mounted on an axle 74 in a side-by-side relationship which axle is alsomounted on the bosses 78, 80 of the female coupling 56. Note that theopenings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of the camlobes 68, 72 of the double levers 142, 144 of the present invention;also, it should be clear that the lobes and levers could have manyshapes and thicknesses other than those which are illustrated so long asthey are effectively sized and shaped to accomplish the teachings of thepresent invention all of which would be understood by one skilled in theart. The bosses 78, 80 are attached onto the outside of the femalecoupling 56 in the conventional manner. It is expected that cam lever142 would have the larger cam lobe 68 thereon relative to the cam lobe72 but one skilled in the art would understand that these could bereversed. Alternative embodiment 138 shows a cam member 144 disposedadjacent a first boss 80, wherein a spacer 146 is disposed on the axle74 adjacent the second boss 78, wherein the first cam member 142 isdisposed between the other cam member 144 and the spacer 146. FIG. 28shows the ear or arm portion 66 of lever 142 being larger and disposedover ear portion 144 so that the ear or arm portion 66 of lever 142 isoutside relative to ear portion 70 of lever 144 as best shown in FIG.30. Thus, lever 142 may be referred to as an outer lever and lever 144as an inner lever. In order to accomplish this the neck area between thecam lobe portion and the arm lever portion may be extended from or morevertically angled relative to housing 56 and some experimentation may benecessary to find the optimum length or angle for the neck areas. Thelever arm portion 66 of the outer cam ear 142 is larger, i.e., wider,than the lever portion 70 of the inner cam ear 144 so that it will beeasier to grasp in the hands of an operator; also, the inner cam ear isnot intended to be opened until after the outer cam ear is opened andhaving a wider outer ear helps accomplish this objective. A cylindricalspacer 146 is also shown mounted on the axle so as to cause the largercam lever 142 to be precisely aligned with its corresponding larger camlever 142 mounted on the opposite side of the female coupling 56 so asto balance all structural torques and forces so as to prevent warping ofthe housing 56 or axle 74 which may occur with conventional designs overa period of time. FIG. 30 shows an optional latch mechanism 147 usefulfor embodiment 138 including a latch arm or lever 148 which moves on apivot 150 disposed on a pair of mounts 166 which lever is biased closedby spring 152. Also shown is thumb grip 154 to allow a user to actuatethe lever 148 along with a first catch 156 for the larger ear 142 and asecond catch 158 for smaller ear 144. In operation, the latch lever arm148 must be moved from the closed position to an open position beforethe cam levers 142, 144 can be operated. Previously disclosed elementsmay also be shown.

Turning to FIGS. 27 and 29, therein is shown an alternative embodiment140 of an improved cam lock fitting of the present invention shownmounted on a female end portion 56. Shown therein is the inside 100 ofthe female coupling 56 along with the double cam levers 160, 162 mountedon an axle 74 in a side-by-side relationship which axle is also mountedon the bosses 78, 80, and 164 of the female coupling 56. Note that theopenings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of the camlobes 68, 72 of the double levers 160, 162 of the present invention;also, it should be clear that the lobes and levers could have manyshapes and thicknesses other than those which are illustrated so long asthey are effectively sized and shaped to accomplish the teachings of thepresent invention all of which would be understood by one skilled in theart. The bosses 78, 80, and 164 are attached onto the outside of thefemale coupling 56 in the conventional manner. It is expected that camlever 160 would have the larger cam lobe 68 thereon relative to the camlobe 72 but one skilled in the art would understand that these could bereversed. FIG. 29 shows the ear or arm portion 66, 70 disposed in aside-by-side relationship with cam member 160 disposed between boss 80and boss 164 and cam member 162 disposed between boss 78 and boss 164.The cam member 160, 162 are precisely aligned with its corresponding cammember on the opposite side of the female coupling 56 so as to balanceall structural torques and forces so as to prevent warping of thehousing 56 or axle 74 which may occur with conventional designs over aperiod of time. Having the third boss 164 assures that all structuraltorques and forces are balanced so as to prevent warping of the housing56 or axle 74. FIG. 30 shows an optional latch mechanism 147 useful forembodiment 140 including a latch arm or lever 148 which moves on a pivot150 which pivot is biased closed by spring 152. Also shown is thumb grip154 to allow a user to actuate the lever 148 along with a first catch156 or catch 158. In operation, the latch lever arm 148 mist be movedfrom the closed position to an open position before the cam levers 160,162 can be operated. Alternatively, the latch mechanism 113 disclosed inFIGS. 20-24 could be easily adapted for use with cam members 160, 162.Previously disclosed elements may also be shown.

By way of additional summary and with reference to FIGS. 1-30, thepresent invention may be described as a cam lock fitting 54, a) having amale conduit 58 having an end 60 thereon and an external peripheralgroove 86 adjacent the end, b) having a female conduit 56 for receivingthe male conduit and having a pair of opposed side openings 88 oppositethe external peripheral groove, c) sealing at 98 between the end of themale conduit and the female conduit, d) having a first and second pairof cam members, each pair having first (outer) 62 and second (inner) 64cam members so that there are a total of four cam members, a pair, i.e.,two, of the cam members being pivotally disposed on opposite sides ofthe female conduit, each cam member having a lever portion 66, 70 lyingadjacent the female conduit and a cam portion 68, 72 with a larger ormore effectively sized or shaped cam portion on the first (outer) cammember 62, wherein the cam portions pass through the side openings andengage the external peripheral groove when the lever portion liesadjacent the female conduit in a first, closed position (see FIGS. 8 and11), each lever portion being outwardly moveable away from the femaleconduit to a second, open position to disengage the cam portions fromthe external peripheral groove (see FIGS. 10 and 13), e) the male andfemale conduits being connected thereby preventing leakagethereinbetween when each of the lever portions are in the first position(see FIGS. 8 and 11); and, f) the male and female conduits beingslightly separated, i.e., are loose fit, thereby allowing leakagethereinbetween when the lever portions of the first cam members are inthe second position and the lever portions of the second cam members arein the first position (see FIGS. 9 and 12), wherein if leakage isobserved by an operator the lever portions of the first cam members aremoved back to the first position to permit the male and female conduitsto be reconnected.

Further, wherein the cam portions of the second cam members are forked(see FIG. 19), the forks having a space 110 thereinbetween, wherein thecam portions of the first cam members are pivotally disposed in arespective space wherein the first and second cam members pivot on afirst axle 74, or, wherein the first cam members pivot on a first axle74 and the second cam members pivot on a second axle 90. In analternative embodiment, the inner cam lever 64 is larger than the outercam lever 62. Also having a latching mechanism 113 having retainingprotrusions 128, 130 mounted adjacent each of the side openings and apin housing 122 attached to each lever portion of each cam member, aspring 132 loaded pin 118 within each pin housing which urges a distalend 124 of the pin into engagement with one of the retaining protrusionsto prevent each of the lever portions from being moved from the closedposition to the open position, and a pull member 114, or the like,attached to a proximal end 116 of the pins to allow an operator towithdraw the pin from engagement with a retaining protrusion allowingeach lever portion to be moved from the closed position to the openposition.

Alternative embodiment 138 shows a cam member 144 disposed adjacent afirst boss 80, wherein a spacer 146 is disposed on the axle 74 adjacentthe second boss 78, wherein the first cam member 142 is disposed betweenthe other cam member 144 and the spacer 146. Alternative embodiment 140shows the first cam member 160 disposed between the first 80 and secondboss 154, wherein the second cam member 162 is disposed between saidsecond 154 and third boss 78. A latch mechanism 147 could be used withembodiment 138 or 140.

We claim:
 1. A safety cam lock fitting, comprising: a) a male and afemale conduit, said male and female conduits adapted for beingconnected to each other, said male conduit having an end thereon and anexternal peripheral groove adjacent said end, said female conduit havingan end thereon and an internal seal disposed therein adjacent said end,wherein said end of said male conduit contacts said seal of said femaleconduit thereby preventing leakage when said male and female conduitsare connected to each other; b) a first and a second pair of cammembers, each pair having first and second cam members, a pair of saidcam members being pivotally disposed on an axle extending between firstand second bosses on opposite sides of said female conduit, each saidcam member having a lever portion and a cam portion, wherein each saidcam portion is adapted to pivot through an opening in a wall of saidfemale conduit and into said external peripheral groove so as toremovably join said male conduit to said female conduit, wherein eachsaid cam member has a closed position when said male and female conduitsare connected to each other and an open position when said male andfemale conduits are disconnected from each other; c) wherein said leverportion of said first cam member is larger than said lever portion ofsaid second cam member; d) wherein said lever portion of said first cammember overlays said lever portion of said second cam member; and e)wherein said male and female conduits have a partially open position inwhich said male and female conduits are slightly separated from eachother thereby allowing leakage between said male and female conduitswhen each said first cam member is in said open position and each saidsecond cam member is in said closed position, wherein if said leakage isobserved by an operator each said first cam member is pivotable back tosaid closed position to permit the male and female conduits to bereconnected to each other.
 2. The safety cam lock fitting of claim 1,wherein said cam portion of each said first cam member effectivelyconforms to said external peripheral groove'better than said cam portionof each said second cam member to permit the male and female conduits tobe connected to each other.
 3. The safety cam lock fitting of claim 1,wherein said lever portion of said first cam member is adapted to beopened before said lever portion of said second cam member.
 4. Thesafety cam lock fitting of claim 1, wherein said cam portion of eachsaid second cam member has a portion which extends further to a rear ofsaid female conduit than said cam portion of each said first cam memberto permit said end of said male conduit to contact said seal of saidfemale conduit thereby preventing leakage when said male and femaleconduits are connected to each other.
 5. The safety cam lock fitting ofclaim 1, further comprising a latch being disposed on said femaleconduit, wherein when said lever portion of each said first and secondcam member is moved from said open position into said closed positionsaid lever portion is latched in said closed position, wherein saidlatch is unlatchable to allow said lever portion to be moved from saidclosed position to said open position.
 6. The safety cam lock fitting ofclaim 5, wherein each said latch comprises a latch arm pivotally mountedon an outside of said female conduit, said latch being biased toward aclosed position, a first and second catch disposed on said arm so as tocontact a distal end of each said first and second lever portion whensaid latch is in said closed position to prevent each of said leverportion from being moved from said closed position to said openposition.
 7. A method for assembling a safety cam lock fitting,comprising the steps of: a) providing a male and a female conduitadapted for connection to each other, the male conduit having an endthereon and an external peripheral groove adjacent the end, the femaleconduit having an end thereon and an internal seal disposed thereinadjacent the end, wherein the end of the male conduit contacts the sealof the female conduit thereby preventing leakage when the male andfemale conduits are connected to each other; b) providing a first and asecond pair of cam members, each pair having first and second cammembers, pivotally disposing a pair of the cam members on an axleextending between first and second bosses on opposite sides of thefemale conduit, each cam member having a lever portion and a camportion, adapting each cam portion to pivot through an opening in a wallof the female conduit and into the external peripheral groove so as toremovably join the male conduit to the female conduit, wherein each cammember has a closed position when the male and female conduits areconnected to each other and an open position when the male and femaleconduits are disconnected from each other; c) configuring the leverportion of the first cam member to be larger than the lever portion ofthe second cam member; d) configuring the lever portion of the first cammember overlays said lever portion of the second cam member; and e)wherein the male and female conduits have a partially open position inwhich the male and female conduits are slightly separated from eachother thereby allowing leakage between the male and female conduits wheneach first cam member is in the open position and each second cam memberis in the closed position, wherein if leakage is observed by an operatoreach first cam member is pivotable back to the closed position to permitthe male and female conduits to be reconnected to each other.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the cam portion of each first cam membereffectively conforms to the external peripheral groove better than thecam portion of each second cam member to permit the male and femaleconduits to be connected to each other.
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein the lever portion of the first cam member is adapted to beopened before the lever portion of the second cam member.
 10. The methodof claim 7, wherein the cam portion of each second cam member has aportion which extends further to a rear of the female conduit than thecam portion of each first cam member to permit the end of the maleconduit to contact the seal of the female conduit thereby preventingleakage when the male and female conduits are connected to each other.11. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of providing alatch on the female conduit, wherein when the lever portion of eachfirst and second earn member is moved from the open position into theclosed position the lever portion is latched in the closed position,wherein the latch is unlatchable to allow the lever portion to be movedfrom the closed position to the open position.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein each latch includes a latch arm pivotally mounted on anoutside of the female conduit, the latch being biased toward a closedposition, a first and second catch disposed on the latch arm so as tocontact a distal end of each first and second lever portion when thelatch is in the closed position to prevent each of the lever portionsfrom being moved from the closed position to the open position.
 13. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the cam portion of each second cam member islarger than the cam portion of each first cam member, wherein the maleconduit has a partially open position in which the male and femaleconduits are slightly separated from each other thereby allowing leakagebetween the male and female conduits when each second cam member is inthe open position and each first cam member is in the closed position,wherein if leakage is observed by an operator each second cam member ispivoted back to the closed position to permit the male and femaleconduits to be reconnected to each other.